Interested in becoming a WKU BSW/MSWfield agency/instructor? We’d love to have you join us as partners in social work education!

What We’re Looking for in Field Instructors

  • Social workers who want to contribute to the next generation of social work by serving as teacher/mentors
  • Commitment to participating actively in a student’s learning process: weekly supervision and feedback, help in designing meaningful field learning activities, support for the student as s/he practices and masters key practice behaviors, regular contact with the student’s faculty field liaison. Each field placement is for two academic semesters: 200 hours of field each semester for foundation year MSW students and BSW students. 250 hours of field each semester for advanced standing students.
  • Willingness to attend WKU field training: orientation, basic field instructor session, other CEU sessions as offered

What We’re Looking for in Field Agencies

  • Agencies that value social work and take pride in contributing to social work education
  • Agencies that value the energy and new ideas of social work students
  • Agencies that are open to integrating social work students into the meaningful service work of the organization and can provide generalist level (BSW) practice opportunities
  • WKU requires a signed affiliation agreement with each Agency

Requirements for BSW & MSW Field Instructors

  • For the BSW Program - A BSW or MSW from a CSWE accredited social work program
  • For the MSW Program – An MSW from a CSWE accredited social work program
  • Two years post-degree social work experience
  • Completion of an Agency/Field Instructor Application
  • Willingness to read and abide by the policies of the BSW or MSW Field Manual as applicable

Benefits of Becoming a Field Instructor/Agency

  • Free CEU’s at WKU-sponsored field trainings
  • Refreshers in social work concepts and approaches
  • Pride in being an educational site for professional social workers
  • Experience in supervision (for social workers not in current supervisory positions) and introduction to a new field of social work practice

“We cannot underestimate the important role of the field instructor. Field instructors have a “heart” for social work and mentor the next generation of the profession. In return, field instructors stay current in the ideas and methods of social work practice and, if they are lucky, are inspired by the positive energy of their students.”

Questions? More Information? Contact Kellye McIntyre, Field Director at or at 270-745-5049